Common Names

Parts Usually Used

Description of Plant(s) and Culture

Although a slow grower, Thuja is a well-known ornamental American
evergreen; it can reach 70-80 feet, retaining its dense, pyramidal
form. Some say the northern white cedar is of the cypress family,
some references say it is of the pine family. This hardy evergreen
has dense, scale-like foliage, waxy to the touch, and fragrant. Leaves
in flattened sprays; small, appressed overlapping. Cones bell-shaped,
with loose scales.

Where Found

A native of the U.S. and Canada, this tree does best in moist, sandy
loam. In a dry situation, it will suffer from both heat and cold.
Found in swamps; cool rocky woods. Most nurseries stock several varieties.
Found growing in the wet ground from New Hampshire to Florida.

Legends, Myths and Stories

Native Americans put boughs of cedar on teepee poles, said to ward
off lightning. Thunderbird was said to nest in mountain cedars. Red
cedar (J. scopulorum), used ceremonially on the altar of the sacred
woman at the Sun Dance.

Uses

The leaves and tops are used for chronic cough, fever,
and gout. An infusion made of
1 oz. of the tender leaves to a pint of boiling water may be taken
1 tbsp. at a time as a diuretic, emmenogogue, and uterine stimulant.
Applied externally, it is said to remove warts
and fungoid growths. As a counterirritant, it is useful for relief
of muscular aches and pains.
A salve for external application can be made by boiling a quantity
of the leaves in lard.

The oil has been used as an aromatic ingredient in soap liniment.
And the odor of the essential oil is pungent, almost overpowering.
It is matched by a strong bitter taste. Arborvitae oil may be home
distilled and used as an insect repellent.